Things to Do in Eswatini in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Eswatini
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Post-harvest season brings lush green landscapes across the Highveld and Lowveld - the countryside looks absolutely spectacular after the summer rains, with waterfalls at Malolotja and Mantenga running at full strength
- Comfortable temperatures for wildlife viewing at Hlane and Mkhaya - mornings average 15-18°C (59-64°F) which means animals are more active, and you'll avoid the intense heat that comes later in the year
- Umhlanga Reed Dance typically happens late August/early September, but April sees various cultural preparations and smaller community ceremonies - you'll catch authentic local life without the international tourist crowds
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after Easter - accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to peak summer months, and you'll have reserves and craft markets largely to yourself on weekdays
Considerations
- Variable weather means you'll likely hit some rainy days - those 10 rainfall days translate to afternoon thunderstorms that can disrupt outdoor plans, particularly hiking in the mountains where trails become slippery
- Some lodges in remote areas close for maintenance between March and May - worth confirming availability before booking, especially at smaller family-run properties in the Lubombo region
- Mornings can be surprisingly cool at higher elevations like Malolotja Nature Reserve - you'll need layers for early game drives when temperatures drop to 10-12°C (50-54°F) before sunrise
Best Activities in April
Hlane Royal National Park Game Drives
April weather is genuinely perfect for spotting lions, elephants, and white rhino. The 70% humidity sounds intense, but mornings are crisp and animals congregate around waterholes as vegetation starts drying out. You'll see far more wildlife than in January-February when everything's overgrown. The UV index of 8 means you'll want early starts around 6am when light is softer and animals more active.
Malolotja Nature Reserve Hiking
The reserve's 18,000 hectares look completely different in April compared to dry season - waterfalls actually have water, wildflowers are still blooming, and the escarpment views extend 50-60 km (31-37 miles) on clear mornings. That said, those 10 rainy days mean you need flexibility. Trails like the Malolotja Falls route (7 km/4.3 miles round trip) can get muddy in the steep sections. The variable conditions actually keep crowds away, so you'll have the mountains to yourself.
Ezulwini Valley Cultural Experiences
April sits in a sweet spot culturally - you'll catch everyday Swazi life without the performance aspect that comes during peak tourist months. The Mantenga Cultural Village runs daily demonstrations of traditional homestead life, and the craft markets along the Ezulwini Valley road are fully stocked post-harvest. The warm humid weather means artisans work under shade, so arrive mornings when everyone's fresh and willing to explain their techniques. Temperatures around 24-26°C (75-79°F) make walking between sites comfortable.
Mkhaya Game Reserve Rhino Tracking
Mkhaya specializes in black rhino conservation, and April's conditions make tracking on foot genuinely exciting. The bush is still fairly thick from summer growth, so you'll get closer before spotting them - guides typically get you within 20-30 m (65-100 ft). The reserve limits numbers strictly, so even in April you're looking at maximum 16 guests total. Morning walks start at 6:30am when it's 14-16°C (57-61°F) - perfect for covering the 5-8 km (3-5 miles) you'll walk during a 3-hour tracking session.
Mbabane and Manzini Market Shopping
April brings post-harvest abundance to Eswatini's main markets. Mbabane Market on Thursday and Friday sees vendors from across the country selling everything from handwoven baskets to traditional medicines. The 70% humidity means covered market sections get stuffy by midday, so arrive by 8am when produce is freshest and temperatures are still comfortable at 18-20°C (64-68°F). Manzini Market runs daily and is less touristy - you'll find better prices on tintsaba grass mats and clay pots.
Mlilwane Wildlife Sanctuary Mountain Biking
Mlilwane's 60 km (37 miles) of trails work beautifully in April because the ground is firm enough for biking but vegetation is still lush. You'll ride past zebra, warthog, and impala without the dust clouds that come later in dry season. The sanctuary sits in the Ezulwini Valley at lower elevation, so expect warm conditions - that UV index of 8 means starting by 7am and finishing before 11am is smart. Afternoon thunderstorms typically roll in around 2-3pm, giving you a natural cutoff time.
April Events & Festivals
Incwala Ceremony Preparations
While the main Incwala first fruits ceremony happens in December or January depending on lunar calendar, April sometimes sees preliminary cultural activities and community gatherings as the new harvest year begins. These aren't tourist events - you'll need local connections to witness them - but they offer genuine insight into Swazi spiritual life. Ask at cultural villages or through local guides about any scheduled community ceremonies.